A Basic Guide to Korean Naturalization Types for Foreigners

A Basic Guide to Korean Naturalization Types for Foreigners

If you're considering the journey towards South Korean citizenship, understanding the regulations and requirements of naturalization is vital. This article outlines the essential steps and eligibility criteria for foreigners wishing to acquire Korean nationality.

Important Note on Document Submission for Applicants

​As a foreign applicant, you must submit all required documents for your naturalization application in person.​ Delegating this responsibility to someone else is not permitted under Korean nationality law.

Before you can apply, make sure to schedule an appointment at the local immigration office. If you are currently abroad, you can follow the policies outlined by the nearest Korean embassy or consulate.

When applying for naturalization, you can include the application for your minor children simultaneously. Remember that the standard review time for these applications is between one to one and a half years. It is crucial to avoid departing from South Korea entirely after your application has been submitted, as this will lead to rejection. However, temporary departures may result in delays.

Proficiency in Korean language is either conducted through Naturalization interview or Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP).

Types of Naturalization in Korea:

I. General Naturalization

1. Residence Duration: You must have lived in South Korea for over five consecutive years.
2. Permanent Resident Status: You must currently hold permanent resident status (F-5).
3. Age Requirement: Applicants should be at least 19 years old.
4. Criminal Record: A clean record without significant criminal offenses is mandatory.
5. Financial Stability: You need to demonstrate the ability to support yourself with an income exceeding the previous year’s Korean GNI or possess assets valued at 60,000,000 KRW.
6. Social Skills: Proficiency in the Korean language and understanding of Korean customs are necessary. This is assessed through a comprehensive test and interview.

The general naturalization process is strictly regulated, especially for those who do not meet the criteria for simplified or special naturalization types.

II. Simplified Naturalization for Korea-Connected Individuals

1. Residence Duration: Applicants must have lived in South Korea for more than three consecutive years.
2. Age Requirement: You must be at least 19 years old.
3. Connection to Korea: This includes individuals with a Korean parent, those born in Korea under specific conditions, or adoptees of Korean nationals who were adults at the time of adoption.
4. Criminal Record: A clean record is required.
5. Financial Stability: You need assets of at least 30,000,000 KRW or must be currently employed.
6. Social Skills: Knowledge of Korean language and customs is also required.

III. Simplified Naturalization for Spouses of Korean Citizens

1. Marriage Duration: You must have been married to a Korean national for more than two years or have lived together for at least one year if married for three years.
2. Circumstances of Separation: If your marriage was dissolved due to divorce, death, or disappearance without your fault while raising a minor child, you may still qualify.
3. Criminal Record: Applicants must have a clean record.
4. Financial Stability: Similar financial requirements as the previous categories apply.
5. Social Skills: Proficiency in the Korean language and an understanding of the culture are necessary.

IV. Special Naturalization

To apply under special naturalization, you must fit one of the following criteria:

1. Korean Parentage: Either of your parents must be a Korean national. This also applies to adoptees who were minors at the time of their adoption.
2. Special Contribution: You may apply if you have made significant contributions to Korea or possess exceptional skills in fields like science or sports.

V. Alternative Methods of Acquiring Korean Nationality

There are other avenues for securing Korean nationality, similar in preparation to naturalization.

1. Unmarried Child Recognition: A parent of a Korean national can acknowledge an unmarried foreign child, either at the immigration office or through a Korean diplomatic mission. If this acknowledgment occurs before birth, the child is considered a natural-born Korean.
2. Concurrent Acquisition: When a parent applies for naturalization or nationality recovery, their minor child can apply simultaneously.
3. Reacquisition of Nationality: If you fail to renounce your foreign nationality within one year following naturalization, you may lose your Korean nationality. However, there are exceptions for unavoidable circumstances.
4. Recovery of Nationality: Previously Korean nationals must undergo recovery, which typically takes about six months. Those over the age of 65 seeking dual citizenship should consult with immigration experts regarding their existing nationality.
5. Determination of Nationality: If your Korean nationality status is ambiguous, particularly for North Korean defectors and overseas Koreans, you can apply for a determination of your status.

Conclusion

Becoming a citizen of South Korea is a comprehensive process governed by specific laws and regulations. Ensuring you meet all requirements and understanding the procedure will streamline your naturalization journey. For more personalized guidance, consider consulting with immigration experts who specialize in Korean nationality laws.